The Fédération Internationale de l'AutomobileCompetition·Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has issued a formal reprimand and a suspended fine of €15,000 to the Automóvel Club de PortugalTeam·Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP), the organizers behind the Rally of PortugalCompetition·Rally of Portugal. This sanction follows a series of safety breaches that occurred during the 2025/26 season, specifically on the challenging ArganilVenue·Arganil stage.
The penalty, which is suspended until December 31, 2027, addresses "unsafe acts and failure to adopt reasonable measures" during the rally. The incidents in question unfolded during the second pass of the ArganilVenue·Arganil stage (SS7), a demanding 18.62-kilometer section that was run in reverse direction this year.
During the stage, ToyotaTeam·Toyota driver Elfyn EvansPlayer·Elfyn Evans encountered a recovery truck on the active course. The driver of the truck managed to move aside mere seconds before Evans' rally car reached its position, narrowly averting a more serious incident. Minutes later, LanciaTeam·Lancia WRC2 driver Yohan RosselPlayer·Yohan Rossel also came upon a different recovery vehicle on the track. This second occurrence prompted officials to display a red flag, immediately halting the stage to ensure competitor safety.
Adding to the organizational challenges on the same stage, a police officer reportedly entered the active course in front of Oliver SolbergPlayer·Oliver Solberg, further highlighting the lapses in safety protocols.
Carlos BarbosaCoach·Carlos Barbosa, President of the organizational committee for Rally of PortugalCompetition·Rally of Portugal, explained that the drivers of the recovery trucks were reportedly unaware they were entering an active special stage. The second truck had followed the first, intending to provide assistance.
The FIA's College of Stewards cited Article 12.2.1.h of the FIA International Sporting Code 2026, which specifically addresses unsafe situations. According to Horacio RodriguesCoach·Horacio Rodrigues, the Clerk of the Course, the primary issue was a critical lack of communication regarding the entry of these vehicles to the Rally control room. The FIA emphasized that event organizers bear the responsibility for their appointed officials and must ensure they possess all necessary information to perform their duties effectively.
Beyond the financial penalty, the FIA has formally requested that the Rally of PortugalCompetition·Rally of Portugal organization implement significant improvements to its safety measures for the current event. The €15,000 fine will only be enforced if the Automóvel Club de PortugalTeam·Automóvel Club de Portugal commits further similar infractions before the end of 2027, underscoring the gravity of the safety concerns and the need for immediate corrective action.
Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 at the Vodafone Rally of Portugal. Atlantico Press/IMAGO
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